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• Solicitors

Welcome

As the oldest firm of solicitors based in the town we are proud to having been serving the people and businesses of Rochdale for over 268 years by providing a first class legal service.

About Us

The Firm's existence can be traced back to as long ago as 1745 from documents found in the office cellar in the early 1970s by Mr Wright the then Senior Partner. Although there are many gaps in the Firm's History, Trade Directories at the local Reference Library show a Mr Harris, Solicitor in practice in Rochdale in the early 1800s and a photograph of our offices at Town Hall Chambers, dating from 1866, shows "Harris Solicitors" in occupation on the top floor. In 1866, the building was in multi-occupancy and the ground floor was in fact the Post Office. The 1866 photograph can be seen in our Reception area.

Our History

The local Trade Directories also show in the later 1800s a Mr Hartley in practice in Rochdale and it was this Mr Hartley who subsequently took over the Practice of Mr Harris. A number of the members of the Hartley family then continued the Practice under a variety of names e.g. Hartley Son and Osbourne (1888) and later Hartley Son and Coupe until shortly before the outbreak of World War II, when the Practice was purchased by Mr Charles Henry Thomas from the then surviving member of the Hartley family. Mr Albert Wright had already joined the Firm, initially as an office junior but later became an Articled Clerk. The running of the Practice and Mr Wright's articles (now called a Training Contract) were interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, during which time Mr Wright served in the Royal Navy and Mr Thomas was called up to do Army Service in time for the D-Day Landings. After the end of World War II, both Mr Thomas and Mr Wright returned to the Practice and Mr Wright subsequently qualified and became a Partner, since which time the Firm has been known as Hartley Thomas and Wright.

Family Law

Our Family Law solicitors have in-depth knowledge of all aspects of family law and provide sympathetic legal advice to ensure that the practical implications of any relationship break-up are dealt with properly.

Crime and Motoring

If you have been accused of committing a crime or motoring offence, you need to know what is happening, and how best to defend yourself.

From public order offences or theft allegations to serious crimes including assault, drug offences or murder, from minor Road Traffic violations to motoring incidents resulting in death or serious injury you need a defence solicitor that is professional and experienced in your particular situation.

Civil Court Cases

We are able to advise and assist with all aspects of Civil Court Cases from Debt matters to complex litigation.

Wills and Probate

A Will drawn up by a Solicitor addresses the matters referred to above and will deal with your own individual requirements.

Sometimes ‘Do It Yourself' (DIY) Wills create more problems than they solve. It is essential that your Will is properly prepared by a solicitor to avoid any confusion or disputes when you die. We can advise you on Inheritance Tax implications and on the options that are available to you as to how you can leave your assets. Please do remember that any discussion you have with a Solicitor is confidential.

So whether you'd like to create a will or would just like to find out more about our will writing service, call us today on 01706 644118 to have a chat with one of our specialist solicitors.